Man conveyor

Abstract

The present invention provides a man-conveyor that allows for confirmation of the time it takes for the brake device to release the brake after the electromagnetic part has been energized. [Solution] In the man conveyor, the processing unit, in operation confirmation control, stops the power supply to the electromagnetic part during the first time and powers the motor so that the rotating part rotates. After the first time, during the second time, power is started to the electromagnetic part while the rotating part is rotating, and the detection time is detected when the torque detected by the torque detection unit drops to the detected torque value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to a manual conveyor.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, a manual conveyor includes an electric motor and a brake device for braking the electric motor (for example, Patent Document 1). The brake device includes a rotating part that rotates by driving the electric motor, a braking part that is movable between a braking position and an open position, an elastic part that applies an elastic restoring force to the braking part, and an electromagnetic part that applies an electromagnetic force greater than the elastic restoring force to the braking part.

[0003] Then, when the electromagnetic part is energized and the braking part moves to the open position, the brake device releases the brake. By the way, there is a desire to check the time it takes for the brake device to release the brake after the electromagnetic part is energized.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the problem is to provide a manual conveyor capable of checking the time it takes for the brake device to release the brake after the electromagnetic part is energized.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] [1] The manual conveyor is an electric motor, a brake device for braking the electric motor, a torque detection unit for detecting the torque output by the electric motor, The system comprises a processing unit that performs operation verification control of the brake device, The aforementioned brake device, A rotating part that rotates by the drive of the aforementioned electric motor, A braking part that is movable between a braking position in which the rotating part is braked by applying pressure and making contact with the rotating part, and an open position in which it is separated from the rotating part, To move the braking unit to the braking position, an elastic unit is provided to apply an elastic restoring force to the braking unit, The device includes an electromagnetic unit that applies an electromagnetic force greater than the elastic restoring force to the braking unit in order to move the braking unit to the open position by applying current, In the operation confirmation control, the processing unit, During the first hour, with the power supply to the electromagnetic part stopped, power was supplied to the motor so that the rotating part would rotate. At a second time interval, which is later than the first time interval, while the rotating part is rotating, the electromagnetic part is energized. The detection time at which the torque detected by the torque detection unit decreases to the detected torque value is detected.

[0007] [2] Furthermore, the man conveyor described in [1] above is The system includes a power converter that changes the frequency of the power supplied to the electric motor, The processing unit, in the operation confirmation control, supplies power at a set frequency to the motor. The set frequency and the time between the first time and the second time are set in advance so that the rotation speed of the rotating part becomes constant by the detection time. This configuration is also acceptable.

[0008] [3] Furthermore, in the man conveyor described in [2] above, The set frequency and the time between the first time and the second time are set in advance so that the rotation speed of the rotating part becomes constant by the second time. This configuration is also acceptable.

[0009] [4] Also, in the manko conveyor of the above [1] to [3], The time between the first time and the second time is preset, In the operation confirmation control, the processing unit energizes the motor in order to excite the motor without rotating the rotating unit from the initial time to the first time. Such a configuration may be used.

[0010] [5] Also, in the manko conveyor of the above [1], When the torque detected by the torque detection unit reaches a set torque value greater than the detected torque value, the processing unit starts energizing the electromagnetic unit assuming that the second time has arrived. Such a configuration may be used.

[0011] [6] Also, in the manko conveyor of the above [1] or [5], <F When the torque detected by the torque detection unit becomes constant, the processing unit starts energizing the electromagnetic unit assuming that the second time has arrived. Such a configuration may be used.

[0012] [7] Also, the manko conveyor of the above [1], [5] or [6] includes a speed detection unit that detects the rotational speed of the rotating unit, When the rotational speed detected by the speed detection unit becomes constant, the processing unit starts energizing the electromagnetic unit assuming that the second time has arrived. Such a configuration may be used.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0013] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of a manko conveyor according to an embodiment [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view of the brake device according to the same embodiment, showing the braking state [Figure 3]A cross-sectional view of the brake device according to the same embodiment, showing the open state. [Figure 4] Control block diagram of a man conveyor according to the same embodiment. [Figure 5] Flowchart of brake operation confirmation control for a man conveyor according to the same embodiment. [Figure 6] Diagram illustrating the brake operation confirmation control of the man conveyor according to the same embodiment (a: diagram showing the relationship between time and the rotational speed of the rotating part, b: diagram showing the relationship between time and the output torque of the electric motor) [Figure 7] A cross-sectional view of a brake device according to another embodiment, showing the braking state. [Figure 8] A cross-sectional view of the brake device according to the same embodiment, showing the open state. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] In each drawing, the dimensions of components may be enlarged or reduced from their actual dimensions for the sake of clarity, and the dimensional ratios between drawings may not be consistent. Furthermore, in each drawing, some components may be omitted for the sake of clarity.

[0015] Terms including ordinal numbers such as "1st," "2nd," etc., are used to describe various components, but these terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from others, and the components are not particularly limited by these terms. Furthermore, the number of components including ordinal numbers is not particularly limited; for example, there may be only one. Also, the ordinal numbers used in the following specification and drawings may differ from the ordinal numbers described in the claims.

[0016] The following description will explain one embodiment of the man conveyor with reference to Figures 1 to 6. Note that the following embodiment is provided as an example to aid in understanding the configuration of the man conveyor and is not intended to limit the configuration of the man conveyor.

[0017] As shown in Figure 1, the man conveyor 1 may include, for example, a structure 2 installed on the building frame, a transport section 3 for transporting people (passengers), a pair of railing sections 4 (only one is shown in Figure 1) arranged to sandwich the transport section 3 in a first direction D1, a drive section 5 for driving the transport section 3 and the railing sections 4, and a processing section 6 for controlling the entire device.

[0018] In each figure, the first direction D1 is the first transverse direction (also called the "width direction") D1, which is parallel to the horizontal direction; the second direction D2 is the second transverse direction (also called the "front-back direction") D2, which is parallel to the horizontal direction and perpendicular to the first transverse direction D1; and the third direction D3 is the vertical direction D3, which is perpendicular to both the first transverse direction D1 and the second transverse direction D2.

[0019] The man conveyor 1 according to this embodiment is an escalator with a stepped tread for transporting people, but it is not limited to this configuration. For example, the man conveyor 1 may be a moving walkway with a flat tread for transporting people.

[0020] The transport unit 3 may, for example, as in this embodiment, include an annular traveling unit 3a that rotates and travels when driven by a drive unit 5, and a plurality of steps 3b that are connected to the traveling unit 3a and travel together with the traveling unit 3a, and have treads on which a person stands. The traveling unit 3a is not particularly limited, but for example, it may be a roller chain.

[0021] Furthermore, for example, the travel sections 3a may be provided in pairs, separated in the first lateral direction D1, and the multiple steps 3b may be arranged between the pair of travel sections 3a, 3a. The steps 3b may be rotatably connected to each travel section 3a with respect to the first lateral direction D1 as an axis.

[0022] The drive unit 5 may, for example, as in this embodiment, include a first winding part 5a around which the first end of the running part 3a in the second lateral direction D2 is wrapped and which rotates about the first lateral direction D1 as an axis, a second winding part 5b that supports the second end of the running part 3a in the second lateral direction D2, a drive source 10 that rotates the first winding part 5a, and a braking source 20 that brakes the rotation of the first winding part 5a. As a result, step 3b is reversed by the first winding part 5a and then reversed by the second winding part 5b.

[0023] The first winding portion 5a may be, for example, a sprocket. The second winding portion 5b may be, for example, a guide material that guides the running portion 3a to reverse direction, or it may be, for example, a rotating material (e.g., a sprocket) around which the running portion 3a is wound and which rotates about the first lateral direction D1 as an axis.

[0024] The railing section 4 may, for example, include a rotating, moving annular handrail belt 4a, a railing body section 4b that supports the handrail belt 4a, and a cover section 4c that covers the lower part of the railing body section 4b. For example, the handrail belt 4a may be driven by the drive unit 5, and the movement of the handrail belt 4a may be synchronized with the movement in step 3b.

[0025] Structure 2 may include, for example, machine rooms 2a, 2a located at each end of the second lateral direction D2, as in this embodiment. Alternatively, structure 2 may be a truss structure or girder structure composed of multiple frame members, for example. For example, the drive source 10 and the braking source 20 may be located inside the machine room 2a, as in this embodiment.

[0026] The drive source 10 includes an electric motor 11 and a power converter 12 (see Figure 4) that changes the frequency of the power supplied to the electric motor 11. The braking source 20 includes a braking device 21 that brakes the electric motor 11. When the drive of the electric motor 11 is transmitted to the first winding section 5a, the first winding section 5a rotates, and step 3b moves.

[0027] The electric motor 11 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, an induction motor, a synchronous motor, an AC motor that operates on AC power, or a DC motor that operates on DC power. The power converter 12 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, an inverter device.

[0028] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the drive source 10 may include, for example, a drive shaft 13 that rotates due to the drive of an electric motor 11, and a drive body 14 to which a brake device 21 (second braking unit 27, described later) is attached. The drive shaft 13 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, the rotating shaft of the electric motor 11, or, for example, the rotating shaft of a reduction gear to which the drive of the electric motor 11 is transmitted.

[0029] The brake device 21 includes a rotating part 22 that rotates by the drive of the electric motor 11, a first braking part 23 that is movable between a braking position (position shown in Figure 2) and an open position (position shown in Figure 3), an elastic part 24 that applies an elastic restoring force to the first braking part 23 in order to move the first braking part 23 to the braking position, and an electromagnetic part 25 that applies an electromagnetic force to the first braking part 23 in order to move the first braking part 23 to the open position by energizing it.

[0030] As a result, as shown in Figure 2, when the electromagnetic part (e.g., electromagnet) 25 is not energized, the electromagnetic force of the electromagnetic part 25 is not applied to the first braking part 23, and only the elastic restoring force of the elastic part (e.g., spring) 24 is applied to the first braking part 23. Therefore, the first braking part 23 moves to the braking position and pressurizes and contacts the rotating part 22. As a result, the brake device 21 enters a braking state in which the brakes are activated.

[0031] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 3, when the electromagnetic part 25 is energized, the electromagnetic part 25 applies an electromagnetic force to the first braking part 23 that is greater than the elastic restoring force of the elastic part 24, causing the first braking part 23 to move to the open position and separate from the rotating part 22. As a result, the brake device 21 enters an open state, releasing the brake.

[0032] Furthermore, the brake device 21 may also include, for example, as in this embodiment, a connecting portion 26 that transmits the rotational force of the drive shaft 13 to the rotating portion 22, a second braking portion 27 that sandwiches the rotating portion 22 between the connecting portion 26 and the first braking portion 23, a brake body 28 that holds the elastic portion 24 and the electromagnetic portion 25, and a guide portion 29 that fixes the second braking portion 27 and the brake body 28 and guides the first braking portion 23 in the axial direction D1.

[0033] As a result, the first braking unit 23 moves to the braking position, and the first braking unit 23 and the second braking unit 27 press against the rotating unit 22 by sandwiching it. Therefore, in this embodiment, the rotating unit 22 is a disc against which the braking units 23 and 27 press against its sides, and the brake device 21 is a disc brake.

[0034] Furthermore, the connecting portion 26 connects the rotating portion 22 and the drive shaft 13, for example, as in this embodiment, so that the rotating portion 22 and the drive shaft 13 can rotate together as a single unit and the rotating portion 22 can move in the axial direction D1 relative to the drive shaft 13. Although not particularly limited, for example, the outer circumference of the connecting portion 26 and the inner circumference of the rotating portion 22 may each have protrusions and recesses extending in the axial direction D1 so that they interlock with each other in the rotational direction and slide in the axial direction D1.

[0035] For example, as in this embodiment, the second braking unit 27 is fixed to the drive body 14, and the brake body 28 is fixed to the second braking unit 27 by the guide unit 29, so that the rotation of the second braking unit 27 and the brake body 28 is prevented. Also, the first braking unit 23 is stopped in the rotational direction by the guide unit 29, so that the rotation of the first braking unit 23 is prevented.

[0036] As shown in Figure 4, the man conveyor 1 is equipped with a torque detection unit 7 that detects the torque output by the electric motor 11. The man conveyor 1 may also be equipped with an input unit 8 that receives various information and an output unit 9 that outputs various information, as in this embodiment.

[0037] The configuration of the torque detection unit 7 is not particularly limited. The torque detection unit 7 may, for example, directly detect the output torque of the electric motor 11, or it may indirectly detect the output torque of the electric motor 11 by using information that has a correlation with the output torque of the electric motor 11 (for example, the output power, output voltage, current, etc. of the electric motor 11 and the power converter 12 (for example, the inverter device)).

[0038] The input unit 8 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a switch (push button switch, select switch, etc.), a touch panel, etc. The output unit 9 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a display unit that displays information (e.g., an electronic display board, indicator light), a sound-emitting unit that emits information as sound (e.g., a buzzer, speaker), or an external output unit that outputs a signal to an external device (e.g., a central monitoring panel, etc.).

[0039] The processing unit 6 may include, for example, an acquisition unit 6a that acquires information (data) from each unit 7 and 8, a storage unit 6b that stores the information, an arithmetic unit 6c that performs calculations on the information, and a control unit 6d that controls each unit 9, 12, and 25. The processing unit 6 may also be a computer equipped with, for example, a processor such as a CPU and an MPU (e.g., the arithmetic unit 6c and the control unit 6d), memory such as ROM and RAM (e.g., the acquisition unit 6a and the storage unit 6b), various interfaces, etc.

[0040] As a result, the processor executes the program stored in memory, and the software and hardware work together to realize each part 6a to 6d of the processing unit 6. The processing unit 6 may be composed of, for example, software circuits, or for example, hardware circuits, or for example, a combination of software circuits and hardware circuits.

[0041] Furthermore, the processing unit 6 may consist of, for example, a single device, or it may consist of, for example, multiple devices that can communicate with each other. Specifically, each part 6a to 6d of the processing unit 6 may be provided in, for example, a single device, or it may be distributed and provided in, for example, multiple devices that can communicate with each other.

[0042] Returning to Figures 2 and 3, the operating status of the brake device 21 can be determined based on the time elapsed between the switching of the energization state to the electromagnetic unit 25 (energetic state, de-energetic state) and the switching of the state of the brake device 21 (braking state, release state). For example, if this time is within a predetermined time, the operating status of the brake device 21 can be determined to be appropriate.

[0043] The time from when the state of power supply to the electromagnetic unit 25 switches from a de-energized state to an energized state until the state of the brake device 21 switches from a braking state to a released state is called the release operation time. Also, the time from when the state of power supply to the electromagnetic unit 25 switches from an energized state to a de-energized state until the state of the brake device 21 switches from a released state to a braking state is called the braking operation time.

[0044] For example, if the braking parts 23 and 27 (e.g., brake pads) wear out, the braking position of the first braking part 23 will move away from the electromagnetic part 25, so the electromagnetic force that the first braking part 23 receives from the electromagnetic part 25 at the braking position will decrease. As a result, the release operation time will increase. Also, for example, if the braking parts 23 and 27 wear out, the distance from the release position to the braking position of the first braking part 23 (specifically, the distance the first braking part 23 moves) will increase, so the braking operation time will increase.

[0045] Furthermore, for example, if the performance of the electromagnetic part 25 deteriorates, the electromagnetic force that the first braking part 23 receives from the electromagnetic part 25 decreases, and therefore the release operation time increases. Also, for example, if the performance of the elastic part 24 deteriorates, the elastic restoring force that the first braking part 23 receives from the elastic part 24 decreases, and therefore the braking operation time increases.

[0046] Thus, if the braking parts 23 and 27 wear out, or if the performance of the electromagnetic part 25 or elastic part 24 deteriorates, the release operation time and braking operation time will increase. Therefore, the processing unit 6 controls the power converter 12 (motor motor 11) and the brake device 21, and performs operation confirmation control to check the operation of the brake device 21.

[0047] The operation confirmation control of the brake device 21 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Note that the following control is provided as an example to aid in understanding the operation confirmation control of the brake device 21, and is not limited to the operation confirmation control of the brake device 21.

[0048] For example, the operation confirmation control may be performed when the man conveyor 1 is not in operation. In this case, the state before the operation confirmation control is performed is that the electromagnetic unit 25 is not energized and the brake device 21 is in a braking state. Then, for example, the processing unit 6 may execute the operation confirmation control when operation confirmation control start instruction data is input to the input unit 8.

[0049] Then, at the initial time t0, the operation confirmation control is started, and as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the processing unit 6 energizes the motor 11 from the initial time t0 to the first time t1 without rotating the rotating part 22 (motor excitation process S1). As a result, the motor 11 is excited, which helps to suppress differences in the state of the motor 11 at the first time t1 in each operation confirmation control.

[0050] While not particularly limited, for example, if the motor 11 is an AC motor, DC power may be supplied to the motor 11. This allows the motor 11 to be excited without rotating the rotating part 22, regardless of the magnitude of the DC power. Alternatively, for example, power may be supplied to the motor 11 such that the torque is such that the rotating part 22 does not rotate.

[0051] Then, at the first time t1, the processing unit 6 stops the power supply to the electromagnetic unit 25 and supplies power to the motor 11 so that the rotating unit 22 rotates (rotating unit rotation process S2). For example, in this embodiment, at the first time t1, the processing unit 6 changes the power supplied to the motor 11 from power that does not rotate the rotating unit 22 to power that rotates the rotating unit 22. That is, at the first time t1, the processing unit 6 starts supplying power (rotational power) to the motor 11 to rotate the rotating unit 22.

[0052] As a result, the rotating part 22 rotates with the first braking part 23 in the braking position (see t1-t2 in Figure 6(a)), and the torque detected by the torque detection part 7 becomes larger (see t1-t2 in Figure 6(b)). The processing unit 6 supplies power at the set frequency F1 to the motor 11 so that the rotating part 22 rotates.

[0053] While not particularly limited, for example, when the man conveyor 1 is in normal operation transporting people, the operating frequency supplied to the electric motor 11 is 50Hz to 60Hz, while the set frequency F1 may be 2Hz to 5Hz. Also, while not particularly limited, for example, the rotational speed v1 of the rotating part 22 in the operation confirmation control (specifically, the set frequency F1) may be 3% to 10% of the rotational speed of the rotating part 22 during normal operation of the man conveyor 1 (specifically, the operating frequency).

[0054] Then, at the second time t2, the processing unit 6 starts supplying power to the electromagnetic unit 25 while the rotating unit 22 is rotating (brake activation process S3). Incidentally, the set frequency F1 and the time Δt (=t2-t1) between the first time t1 and the second time t2 are predetermined. As a result, the rotational speed of the rotating unit 22 becomes constant by the second time t2 (see t1~t2 in Figure 6(a)).

[0055] Therefore, in each operation verification control, the rotational speed of the rotating part 22 is the same at the second time t2. Thus, in each operation verification control, when the rotational speed of the rotating part 22 is the same, power can be supplied to the electromagnetic part 25. As a result, for example, by comparing the results of each operation verification control (for example, the results of the current operation verification control and past operation verification controls), it is possible to confirm changes in the state of the brake device 21.

[0056] Furthermore, given that the time Δt between the first time t1 and the second time t2 is predetermined, the motor 11 is energized from the initial time t0 to the first time t1 without rotating the rotating part 22. This makes it possible to suppress differences in the state of the motor 11 at the first time t1 in each operation confirmation control, and as a result, it is possible to suppress differences in the state of the motor 11 at the second time t2.

[0057] Furthermore, it is preferable that the time Δt between the first time t1 and the second time t2 be short. Although not particularly limited, it is preferable that the time Δt between the first time t1 and the second time t2 be, for example, 200 msec to 500 msec. This shortens the time during which the rotating part 22 rotates while the brake device 21 is in a braking state, thereby suppressing increased wear on the braking parts 23, 27 (e.g., brake pads, etc.) due to the execution of operation confirmation control.

[0058] Then, when the electromagnetic unit 25 is energized, the first braking unit 23 moves to the open position, and the brake device 21 releases the brake. As a result, the torque detected by the torque detection unit 7 decreases (see t2~t3 in Figure 6(b)).

[0059] Therefore, the processing unit 6 detects the detection time t3 at which the torque detected by the torque detection unit 7 has decreased to the detected torque value T1 (detection time detection step S4). Although not particularly limited, for example, the detected torque value T1 may be 10% to 30% of the torque T2 detected by the torque detection unit 7 at the second time t2.

[0060] Furthermore, at the second time t2, the rotational speed of the rotating part 22 is constant, and as a result, the rotational speed of the rotating part 22 is also constant at the detection time t3 (see t2-t3 in Figure 6(a)). Therefore, it is possible to suppress the generation of torque caused by the rotational acceleration of the rotating part 22 at the detection time t3. This allows the detection time t3 at which the brake device 21 releases the brake to be accurately detected.

[0061] In this way, by executing the operation confirmation control, it is possible to confirm the detection time t3 in which the brake device 21 releases the brake after the electromagnetic unit 25 is energized at the second time t2. Furthermore, for example, the processing unit 6 may store the information of the operation confirmation result of the brake device 21 by the operation confirmation control (hereinafter referred to as "result information") and output it to the output unit 9. Note that the result information output by the output unit 9 is not particularly limited.

[0062] For example, the result information may be time information (e.g., the time between detection time t3 and second time t2, the time between detection time t3 and first time t1, each time (moment) between detection time t3 and second time t2, each time (moment) between detection time t3 and first time t1, etc.). The operator may then determine whether the operation of the brake device 21 is normal or abnormal based on this time information.

[0063] Furthermore, the result information may also be information indicating normal or abnormal operation. For example, the processing unit 6 may determine whether the operation of the brake device 21 is normal or abnormal based on time information (for example, the time between detection time t3 and second time t2, the time between detection time t3 and first time t1, etc.) and a threshold value, and output the determination result to the output unit 9.

[0064] Based on the above, the man conveyor 1 is as in this embodiment. Electric motor 11 and, A brake device 21 for braking the electric motor 11, A torque detection unit 7 detects the torque output by the electric motor 11, The system includes a processing unit 6 that performs operation confirmation control of the brake device 21, The aforementioned brake device 21 is The rotating part 22 rotates by the drive of the electric motor 11, A braking part (first braking part in this embodiment) 23 is movable between a braking position in which it applies pressure to and contacts the rotating part 22 to brake the rotating part 22, and an open position in which it is separated from the rotating part 22. To move the braking unit 23 to the braking position, an elastic unit 24 is provided to apply an elastic restoring force to the braking unit 23, The device includes an electromagnetic unit 25 that applies an electromagnetic force greater than the elastic restoring force to the braking unit 23 in order to move the braking unit 23 to the open position by applying current, The processing unit 6, in the operation confirmation control, At the first time t1, with the power supply to the electromagnetic unit 25 stopped, power is supplied to the electric motor 11 so that the rotating unit 22 rotates. At a second time t2, which is after the first time t1, with the rotating part 22 rotating, the current is supplied to the electromagnetic part 25. The torque detection unit 7 detects the detection time t3 at which the torque detected has decreased to the detected torque value T1. This configuration is preferable.

[0065] With this configuration, at the first time t1, when the electromagnetic unit 25 is de-energized and the electric motor 11 is energized, the braking unit 23 is in the braking position and the rotating unit 22 rotates. As a result, the torque detected by the torque detection unit 7 increases. Subsequently, at the second time t2, the electromagnetic unit 25 is energized and the braking unit 23 moves to the open position, causing the brake device 21 to release the brake.

[0066] As the brake is released, the torque detected by the torque detection unit 7 decreases. Therefore, the time t3 at which the torque detected by the torque detection unit 7 drops to the detected torque value T1 is detected as the detection time t3. Thus, by executing the operation confirmation control, it is possible to confirm the time t3 at which the brake device 21 releases the brake after the electromagnetic unit 25 is energized.

[0067] Furthermore, the man conveyor 1, as in this embodiment, The device includes a power converter 12 that changes the frequency of the power supplied to the electric motor 11, The processing unit 6, in the operation confirmation control, supplies power at the set frequency F1 to the motor 11. The set frequency F1 and the time Δt between the first time t1 and the second time t2 are set in advance so that the rotation speed of the rotating part 22 becomes constant by the detection time t3. This configuration is preferable.

[0068] With this configuration, the rotational speed of the rotating part 22 becomes constant by the detection time t3, so that the generation of torque caused by the rotational acceleration of the rotating part 22 at the detection time t3 can be suppressed. As a result, the time t3 at which the brake device 21 releases the brake can be accurately detected.

[0069] Furthermore, in the man conveyor 1, as in this embodiment, The set frequency F1 and the time Δt between the first time t1 and the second time t2 are set in advance so that the rotation speed of the rotating part 22 becomes constant by the second time t2. This configuration is preferable.

[0070] With this configuration, the rotational speed of the rotating part 22 becomes constant by the second time t2, and since the set frequency F1 is set in advance, the rotational speed of the rotating part 22 is the same at the second time t2 in each operation confirmation control. As a result, in each operation confirmation control, power can be supplied to the electromagnetic part 25 when the rotational speed of the rotating part 22 is under the same conditions.

[0071] Furthermore, in the man conveyor 1, as in this embodiment, The time Δt between the first time t1 and the second time t2 is predetermined. The processing unit 6, in the operation confirmation control, energizes the motor 11 without rotating the rotating part 22 from the initial time t0 to the first time t1. This configuration is preferable.

[0072] With this configuration, the motor 11 is energized from the initial time t0 to the first time t1, without rotating the rotating part 22, thus suppressing differences in the state of the motor 11 at the first time t1 in each operation confirmation control. Furthermore, since the time Δt between the first time t1 and the second time t2 is set in advance, it is possible to suppress differences in the state of the motor 11 at the second time t2 in each operation confirmation control.

[0073] It should be noted that the man conveyor 1 is not limited to the configuration of the embodiment described above, nor is it limited to the effects and benefits described above. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the man conveyor 1 can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, one or more of the configurations and methods described below may be arbitrarily selected and adopted in the configurations and methods of the embodiment described above.

[0074] (A) In the man conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, the rotating part 22 is configured to be rotatable together with the drive shaft 13 and movable in the axial direction D1 relative to the drive shaft 13. However, the man conveyor 1 is not limited to this configuration.

[0075] For example, the rotating part 22 may be fixed so as to be integrated with the drive shaft 13. Specifically, the rotating part 22 may rotate together with the drive shaft 13 and be immovable in the axial direction D1 relative to the drive shaft 13. As an example of such a configuration, although not particularly limited, the brake device 21 may have the configuration shown in Figures 7 and 8.

[0076] (A-1) The brake device 21 shown in Figures 7 and 8 will be described below.

[0077] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the brake device 21 includes a rotating part 22 that rotates by the drive of the electric motor 11, a first braking part 23 that is movable between a braking position (position shown in Figure 7) and an open position (position shown in Figure 8), an elastic part 24 that applies an elastic restoring force to the first braking part 23 in order to move the first braking part 23 to the braking position, and an electromagnetic part 25 that applies an electromagnetic force to the first braking part 23 in order to move the first braking part 23 to the open position by energizing it.

[0078] Furthermore, the brake device 21 includes a second braking unit 27 that sandwiches the rotating unit 22 between the first braking unit 23 and the brake unit 27, a brake body 28 that holds the elastic unit 24 and the electromagnetic unit 25, a first guide unit 29 that fixes the second braking unit 27 and the brake body 28 and guides the first braking unit 23 in the axial direction D1, and a second guide unit 30 that is fixed to the drive unit 14 and guides the brake body 28 in the axial direction D1.

[0079] The rotating part 22 is fixed so as to be integrated with the drive shaft 13. As a result, the rotating part 22 rotates together with the drive shaft 13 and cannot move in the axial direction D1 relative to the drive shaft 13. On the other hand, the brake body 28 and the second braking part 27 can move together in the axial direction D1 relative to the drive shaft 13.

[0080] Furthermore, since the second guide portion 30 is fixed to the drive body 14 and the second braking portion 27 is fixed to the brake body 28 by the first guide portion 29, the rotation of the second braking portion 27 and the brake body 28 is prevented because the brake body 28 is stopped from rotating against the second guide portion 30. Also, since the first braking portion 23 is stopped from rotating against the first guide portion 29, the rotation of the first braking portion 23 is prevented.

[0081] For example, as shown in Figure 8, when the electromagnetic unit 25 is energized, the electromagnetic unit 25 applies an electromagnetic force to the first braking unit 23 that is greater than the elastic restoring force of the elastic unit 24. As a result, the first braking unit 23 moves to the open position, away from the rotating unit 22, and consequently, the second braking unit 27 also moves away from the rotating unit 22. This causes the brake device 21 to enter an open state, releasing the brakes.

[0082] On the other hand, if the current to the electromagnetic part (e.g., electromagnet) 25 is stopped from the state shown in Figure 8, the electromagnetic force of the electromagnetic part 25 is not applied to the first braking part 23, and only the elastic restoring force of the elastic part (e.g., spring) 24 is applied to the first braking part 23, so the first braking part 23 comes into contact with the rotating part 22. Subsequently, the brake body 28 moves further away from the first braking part 23 due to the elastic restoring force of the elastic part 24, so the second braking part 27 also comes into contact with the rotating part 22.

[0083] As a result, as shown in Figure 7, when the electromagnetic unit 25 is not energized, the first braking unit 23 moves to the braking position and pressurizes and contacts the rotating unit 22, and consequently, the second braking unit 27 also pressurizes and contacts the rotating unit 22. Therefore, because the first braking unit 23 and the second braking unit 27 pressurize and contact the rotating unit 22 by sandwiching it, the brake device 21 enters a braking state in which the brakes are activated.

[0084] (B) In addition, in the man conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment (and Figures 7 to 8), the rotating part 22 is a disc on which the braking parts 23 and 27 press against the side surface, and the brake device 21 is a disc brake. However, the man conveyor 1 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the rotating part 22 may be a drum on which the braking parts press against the outer surface, and the brake device 21 may be a drum brake.

[0085] (C) Furthermore, the man conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment is configured to include a power converter 12 that changes the frequency of the power supplied to the electric motor 11. However, the man conveyor 1 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the man conveyor 1 may not include a power converter 12, and the frequency of the power supplied to the electric motor 11 may be the commercial frequency.

[0086] (D) In ​​addition, in the man conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, the set frequency F1 and the time Δt between the first time t1 and the second time t2 are set in advance so that the rotational speed of the rotating part 22 becomes constant by the second time t2. However, the man conveyor 1 is not limited to this configuration.

[0087] For example, the set frequency F1 and the time Δt between the first time t1 and the second time t2 may be set in advance so that the rotational speed of the rotating part 22 remains constant from the second time t2 to the detection time t3 (i.e., until the detection time t3). Alternatively, for example, the set frequency F1 and the time Δt between the first time t1 and the second time t2 may be set in advance so that the rotational speed of the rotating part 22 accelerates at the detection time t3.

[0088] (E) Furthermore, in the man conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, the processing unit 6 is configured to energize the motor 11 in order to excite the motor 11 without rotating the rotating part 22 from the initial time t0 to the first time t1 during operation confirmation control. However, the man conveyor 1 is not limited to this configuration.

[0089] For example, the processing unit 6 may be configured to start supplying power to the motor 11 (i.e., to do so for the first time) at the first time t1 during the operation confirmation control. Alternatively, for example, the processing unit 6 may be configured to supply power to the motor 11 from the initial time t0 to the first time t1 during the operation confirmation control so that the rotating part 22 is rotating at least at the first time t1.

[0090] (F) In addition, in the man conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, the set frequency F1 and the time Δt between the first time t1 and the second time t2 are predetermined. However, the man conveyor 1 is not limited to this configuration.

[0091] For example, the time Δt between the first time t1 and the second time t2 may be predetermined, while the set frequency F1 may not be predetermined. Alternatively, for example, the set frequency F1 may be predetermined, while the time Δt between the first time t1 and the second time t2 may not be predetermined.

[0092] While not particularly limited, the configuration may also be such that the time Δt between the first time t1 and the second time t2 is not predetermined, and when certain conditions are met, it is considered to be the second time t2, and power is supplied to the electromagnetic unit 25. An example of such a configuration is described below.

[0093] (F-1) For example, the configuration may be such that when the torque detected by the torque detection unit 7 becomes a set torque value greater than the detected torque value T1, power is supplied to the electromagnetic unit 25. In this way, when the torque output by the electric motor 11 reaches the set torque value, power is supplied to the electromagnetic unit 25. There are no particular limitations, but for example, the set torque value may be 3 to 10 times the detected torque value T1.

[0094] Thus, in man conveyor belt 1, When the torque detected by the torque detection unit 7 becomes a set torque value greater than the detected torque value T1, the processing unit 6 considers the second time t2 to have arrived and starts supplying power to the electromagnetic unit 25. This configuration is also acceptable.

[0095] With this configuration, when the torque detected by the torque detection unit 7 reaches the set torque value, power is supplied to the electromagnetic unit 25. This suppresses differences in the state of the motor 11 when power is supplied to the electromagnetic unit 25 in each operation confirmation control. As a result, differences in the state of the motor 11 at the second time t2 in each operation confirmation control can be suppressed.

[0096] (F-2) Alternatively, for example, the configuration may be such that when the torque detected by the torque detection unit 7 becomes constant at a set torque value, the electromagnetic unit 25 is energized. This ensures that when the rotational speed of the rotating unit 22 becomes constant, the electromagnetic unit 25 is energized. Although not particularly limited, for example, the set torque value may be 3 to 10 times the detected torque value T1.

[0097] Furthermore, in such a configuration, for example, the set torque value may be preset to the same value in each operation confirmation control. As a result, in each operation confirmation control, the rotational speed of the rotating part 22 will be the same at the second time t2. This allows the energization of the electromagnetic part 25 to be started in each operation confirmation control when the rotational speed of the rotating part 22 is the same.

[0098] Thus, in man conveyor belt 1, When the torque detected by the torque detection unit 7 becomes constant, the processing unit 6 considers the second time t2 to have arrived and starts supplying power to the electromagnetic unit 25. This configuration is also acceptable.

[0099] With this configuration, when the torque detected by the torque detection unit 7 becomes constant, the electromagnetic unit 25 is energized, so that the generation of torque caused by the rotational acceleration of the rotating unit 22 can be reliably suppressed at detection time t3 (specifically, also at the second time t2). As a result, the time t3 at which the brake device 21 releases the brake can be accurately detected.

[0100] (F-3) Alternatively, for example, the configuration may be such that when the rotational speed of the rotating part 22 becomes constant at a set speed value, the electromagnetic part 25 is energized. In such a configuration, the man conveyor 1 is equipped with a speed detection unit that detects the rotational speed of the rotating part 22.

[0101] Furthermore, in such a configuration, for example, the set speed value may be pre-set to the same value in each operation confirmation control. As a result, in each operation confirmation control, at the second time t2, the rotational speed of the rotating part 22 will be the same (the speed of the set speed value). This allows the energization of the electromagnetic part 25 to be started in each operation confirmation control when the rotational speed of the rotating part 22 is under the same conditions.

[0102] For example, the speed detection unit may be a sensor that directly detects the rotational speed of the rotating unit 22 (e.g., an encoder). Alternatively, for example, the speed detection unit may be a sensor that indirectly detects the rotational speed of the rotating unit 22 by detecting the rotational speed of the drive shaft 13 or the first winding unit 5a (e.g., an encoder). Alternatively, for example, the speed detection unit may be a sensor that indirectly detects the rotational speed of the rotating unit 22 by detecting the travel speed in step 3b.

[0103] Thus, Man Conveyor 1 is, The rotating part 22 is equipped with a speed detection unit that detects the rotational speed of the rotating part 22, When the rotational speed detected by the speed detection unit becomes constant, the processing unit 6 considers the second time t2 to have arrived and starts supplying power to the electromagnetic unit 25. This configuration is also acceptable.

[0104] With this configuration, when the rotational speed detected by the speed detection unit becomes constant, power is supplied to the electromagnetic unit 25. Therefore, at detection time t3 (specifically, also at the second time t2), the generation of torque caused by the rotational acceleration of the rotating unit 22 can be reliably suppressed. As a result, the time t3 at which the brake device 21 releases the brake can be accurately detected.

[0105] (G) For example, the execution order of each step, such as the operation, procedure, step, and stage, in the method and apparatus shown in the claims, specification, and drawings can be carried out in any order, as long as the result of the previous step is not used in the later step. For example, even if "first," "next," etc. are used for convenience in the explanation, it does not mean that it is necessary to perform them in that order. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0106] 1...Man conveyor, 2...Structure, 2a...Machine room, 3...Conveying section, 3a...Traveling section, 3b...Step, 4...Balustrade section, 4a...Handrail belt, 4b...Balustrade body section, 4c...Cover section, 5...Drive section, 5a...First winding section, 5b...Second winding section, 6...Processing section, 6a...Acquisition section, 6b...Storage section, 6c...Calculation section, 6d...Control section, 7...Torque detection section, 8...Input section, 9...Output section, 10...Drive source, 11...Electric motor, 12...Power converter, 13...Drive Shaft, 14...Drive unit, 20...Brake source, 21...Brake device, 22...Rotating part, 23...First braking part, 24...Elastic part, 25...Electromagnetic part, 26...Connecting part, 27...Second braking part, 28...Brake body, 29...(First) guide part, 30...(Second) guide part, D1...First lateral direction, D2...Second lateral direction, D3...Up and down direction, F1...Set frequency, T1...Detected torque value, t0...Initial time, t1...First time, t2...Second time, t3...Detection time

Claims

1. Electric motor and, A braking device for braking the aforementioned electric motor, A torque detection unit for detecting the torque output by the electric motor, The system comprises a processing unit that performs operation verification control of the brake device, The aforementioned brake device, A rotating part that rotates by the drive of the aforementioned electric motor, A braking part that is movable between a braking position in which the rotating part is braked by applying pressure and making contact with the rotating part, and an open position in which it is separated from the rotating part, To move the braking unit to the braking position, an elastic unit is provided to apply an elastic restoring force to the braking unit, The device includes an electromagnetic unit that applies an electromagnetic force greater than the elastic restoring force to the braking unit in order to move the braking unit to the open position by applying current, In the operation confirmation control, the processing unit, During the first hour, with the power supply to the electromagnetic part stopped, power was supplied to the motor so that the rotating part would rotate. At a second time interval, which is after the first time interval, while the rotating part is rotating, the electromagnetic part is energized. A man-conveyor that detects the time at which the torque detected by the torque detection unit drops to the detected torque value.

2. The system includes a power converter that changes the frequency of the power supplied to the electric motor, The processing unit, in the operation confirmation control, supplies power at a set frequency to the motor. The man conveyor according to claim 1, wherein the set frequency and the time between the first time and the second time are set in advance so that the rotational speed of the rotating part becomes constant by the detection time.

3. The man conveyor according to claim 2, wherein the set frequency and the time between the first time and the second time are set in advance so that the rotational speed of the rotating part becomes constant by the second time.

4. The time between the first time and the second time is predetermined. The man conveyor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the processing unit, in the operation confirmation control, energizes the motor in order to excite the motor without rotating the rotating part from the initial time to the first time.

5. The man conveyor according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit determines that the second time has elapsed and starts energizing the electromagnetic unit when the torque detected by the torque detection unit becomes a set torque value greater than the detected torque value.

6. The man conveyor according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit, in the operation confirmation control, determines that the second time has elapsed when the torque detected by the torque detection unit becomes constant, and starts energizing the electromagnetic unit.

7. The system includes a speed detection unit that detects the rotational speed of the rotating part, The man conveyor according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit, in the operation confirmation control, determines that the second time has elapsed when the rotational speed detected by the speed detection unit becomes constant, and starts supplying power to the electromagnetic unit.

Images